CHAPTER 16: THE SUITORS

"You always wait for me," exclaimed Lady Stella. Kael’s jaw tightened as if he heard a practical joke.

Lady Stella gave one last lingering look at Kael and glided back to the merfolk delegation. She moved with grace, like swaying with the waves.

Kael’s eyes followed her for a short time before his expression turned sour.

"Fix your face," Kael commented wryly.

"Me?" Riley asked. "I apologize, I was just admiring her persistence, my Lord."

Halfway to the refreshment table, a ruby-scaled dragon lady in human form blocked Kael’s path, and Riley held in an exasperated sigh.

Here we go again.

After so many years of doing this, he wondered why these beings continued to bother with it.

When he first attended a gathering with Kael as someone who had never desired to be an aide, he’d initially been amazed at the number of suitors the dragon lord had.

Until he realized that he had to deal with all of them.

Back then, they hadn’t interacted much and didn’t know about the lizard’s quirks.

Pretty sure they saw the same things: power, and everything that came with it.

But after spending five years as his aide, he actually wanted to wave a flag while screaming, "Run away! Save yourselves while you can!"

Because what was the use of all his greatness when his prospective partner would just end up talking to a wall?

He was gorgeous, but with a perennially irritated look, won’t that just be distressing to be around?

If one breathes in a manner that annoys him, that same being might not be able to breathe again.

So really, what’s the use of all this power?

Also, with the number of beings placing a target behind his back, was it really worth it?

He’d say no.

But they would say yes.

Like this dragon before them.

"My Lord Dravaryn," she purred, "I’m not presumptuous enough to assume that you remember me, but we’ve met a few times."

"Our clan’s business has expanded its reach, furthering the Dragon clan’s influence in Eryndra. And I believe that it is possible to reach further heights with the right partnership." She eyed Kael, her eyes gobbling him up greedily.

"If I may say so myself, it’s only fitting that such ambition finds an equal."

"Not interested," he said flatly.

Oh.

She got an actual response. Riley noted. It was rare to get actual words from his boss when it came to things like this, so her family’s influence must be substantial.

Interestingly enough, every now and then, they’d have new people he had to note down. After all, for dragons, they weren’t really allowed outside of their compounds until they were at least a hundred years old.

It was as if that’s when they think they’re old enough to mingle with other beings.

At first, Riley thought they were being coddled until he realized that maybe it was the other way around because apparently, younger dragons who were incapable of controlling themselves when they get emotional would cause massive damage.

So really, after looking at it that way, he realized that the dragons were just trying to let everyone else live longer.

Therefore, every few years, there would usually be a handful of "young" dragons who would be released into the wild, a.k.a society.

And that was great and all, if they all stopped going after his boss routinely!

For every time a new batch gets to leave the nest, they automatically beeline for the MBE!

Like this youngling who probably thought she was impossible to resist.

Her smile faltered, but she retorted, "Of course," she murmured. "But if you ever change your mind..."

Riley stepped in before Kael could snap his refusal.

"Lovely to see you, my Lady. Enjoy the mead," he nodded and steered Kael away.

Kael glanced sideways at him. "Finishing my sentences for me?"

"What?" Riley whispered back. "You told me to keep the peace. That includes soothing feelings, my Lord."

"I don’t think you’d appreciate another summons from your parents about your treatment of all your prospective mates."

Every time Kael would treat them with his usual response, these younglings would report home, and it would eventually reach the ears of his parents.

And who would have to go and explain what happened and why Kael treated them like that? Riley.

Who else.

So apologies for wanting to decrease such events. He’d learned to do this so they wouldn’t have that many things to complain about.

They barely got three more steps before another dragon cast a shadow. This one is taller and clad in black and gold.

"My Lord," he began, lowering his voice as if confiding a secret, "I heard that you’ve grown disappointed with certain alliances. My family offers more. Better deals." "May we discuss an accord in private?"

Kael narrowed his eyes, and Riley had to step in.

This was another new guy, seriously talking out in the open when other beings with superior senses could hear it?

Geez.

Riley sighed, "My Lord, thank you for your enthusiasm," he said smoothly. "We’ll keep your offer on file. Please enjoy the festivities."

The dragon was obviously miffed, as usual, not expecting to be declined like that. But that was seriously the best Riley could do for them.

It wasn’t his fault that these babies weren’t aware of how older dragons usually reacted.

But it wasn’t like the other beings were any better.

Sometimes they worry him more because, unlike the dragons who are likely immune to dragon fire...the others? Not so much.

Like the fae who were incoming.

A trio with iridescent wings and sweet words.

"My Lord," one of them heaped praises, "So dashing as always. Have you thought about having someone who appreciates your elegance and majesty?"

Another leaned closer, "Imagine our powers combined. Fae and dragon. Light and Fire."

The third youngster actually tried to slip a charm into Kael’s coat pocket, but good thing Riley intercepted it.

"Absolutely not," Riley said flatly, handing it back. "Apologies, my ladies, no gifts per Ministry policy."

Kael didn’t have to speak now, but when his foot turned in their direction, even an idiot would know it meant, "Leave."

The fae winked and scattered with nervous laughter.

Riley gave Kael a sidelong glance. "How’s your evening, my Lord?"

Kael didn’t answer.

Riley smirked and took a mental note. Two dragons, three fae. One siren—Lady Stella. All rejected in succession. Too bad, the night was still young.